NessCampbell tackles mountain maneuver

Often times, a hauling solution that is ideal for the highway might not be as suitable for an off-road journey or more treacherous terrain. But Portland, OR-based NessCampbell Crane + Rigging was faced with that exact conumdrum. The team tackled steep grades and winter weather during a transformer haul that required equipment with dual capabilities.

NessCampbell received a 220,000-pound transformer destined for a wind farm west of the Cascade Mountains. The massive piece of machinery was received by rail car and then offloaded onto a 150-ton dual lane transporter, while a Kenworth T800 tractor with two Oshkosh prime movers were also utilized for additional power. This equipment configuration saved the NessCampbell team from needing to do a transfer from their dual lane to a platform trailer once they left the highway.

The transformer was hauled 30 miles on state, city and county roads and then moved an additional 28 miles off-road to the top of a mountain. The route consisted of logging roads with staggering 10 percent grades, tight turns, loose gravel and lots and lots of mud. Then with the help of a jack and slide system, the transformer was placed in its final location on a concrete pad in a substation on the wind farm.

An added challenge

The hauling solution needed to allow the team to utilize acceptable weights on the highway, while also being maneuverable enough to handle the winding off road journey with the same equipment.

“One of the biggest challenges was keeping enough traction on all three trucks to keep moving,” said Mike McDonald, rigging/specialized transportation division manager/VP, NessCampbell. “There were many tight corners on the mountain but our ability to steer all axles on the trailer made us maneuverable enough to accomplish the task.”

Everything about this job was unique, McDonald explained.

“This is the first wind farm built west of the Cascade Mountains, and we were the first to actually cut into the mountain. All eyes were on us while we climbed, as other companies observed how to navigate the complex route. The roads were narrow and built for log trucks. The grades were steep and the winter weather was an added challenge.”